Scottish government consults on devolved social security benefits

The Scottish government is consulting until 28 October 2016 on how to implement its devolved powers over certain social security benefits, which will account for around £2.7bn, or 15% of the total Scottish benefit bill. The benefits being transferred to Scotland are:

·        ill health and disability benefits, including disability living allowance, personal independence payment, attendance allowance, severe disablement allowance and industrial injuries disablement benefit;

·        carer’s allowance;

·        sure start maternity grants;

·        funeral payments;

·        cold weather payments and winter fuel payments;

·        discretionary housing payments; and

·        some powers in relation to universal credit.

Benefits to remain reserved to the UK government are:

·        universal credit (which replaces jobseeker’s allowance, income related employment support allowance, working tax credits, child tax credits and housing benefit);

·        state pension and pension credit;

·        contributory employment support allowance;

·        child benefit; and

·        maternity and paternity pay.

See www.bit.ly/2aq7JAs.